Exclusive: Audi RS e-tron GT Review

The Audi e-tron GT is the four-ringed Bavarian manufacturer's flagship car. It sits at the pinnacle of both engineering and performance. And the design's not half bad right? It is a sportscar, but not necessarily for the track. It is designed for exhilarating performance on road, and over long distances. We saw the arrival of the e-tron GT to India just a few days ago. You've seen what the car looks like, both inside and out, and all the talk about it being the spiritual successor for the R8. I am very excited to get to drive it here in Germany - its home. Especially, seeing that this one is the RS e-tron GT.

Audi RS e-tron GT Specifications

The car gets dual synchronous motors - one each on the front and rear axle 

So, the e-tron GT is available in two avatars, but both use the same 93.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack - shared also with the Porsche Taycan. In fact the VW Group's electric architecture underpins both models too. But unlike the standard GT that has a 522 bhp output and 630 Nm of torque, on the RS you get a whopping 637 horses, along with a mad 830 Nm of torque. The car gets dual synchronous motors - one each on the front and rear axle. And this results in quattro all-wheel drive capability too.

Design

The swooping roofline and the blacked out face give the Audi RS e-tron GT an edgier look 

The RS e-tron GT has gorgeous proportions. It is low slung, wide, and has a swooping roofline. All that plus its blacked-out face show it as poised for action. Overall, the RS the look is edgier. Right from the bumper to the rear end with its distinctive diffuser. The LED light animation is also different to the standard GT. While initially disappointed not to get my test car in a racy red or electric blue, the Daytona grey is really growing on me - as it gives the car a menacing allure, and makes the RS elements really stand out.

Cabin

The Audi RS e-tron GT gets the latest MMI connectivity, virtual cockpit, driver aids and more as standard 

Inside too the car gets distinctive RS touches. The idea is to also exemplify luxury though, and not just mad sportiness - which as a 4-door car I can totally get. The cabin looks refined, and while I like the red-leather treatment, some find it tacky. The latest MMI infotainment and connectivity interface, virtual cockpit, head-up display and driver aids are standard. In fact the interior really scores over the Porsche Taycan for me. And it is completely loaded on safety.

The Audi RS e-tron GT has good enough space for 4 individuals 

Ride And Handling

On the road the RS e-tron GT comes to life. Given its credentials I expected nothing less. And yes - before you can ask, I did drive the standard GT too, on the same day. So I can truly compare the two. And there is no doubt that the RS is just sharper, faster, and more dynamic. I will go so far as to say I like the handling on this car more than on the Taycan - which is already bloody good to begin with!

The RS e-tron GT has a sure feel of it on the road. It goes where you want it to go. You get a sense of its overall size though, I have to say, but it has a real GT feel to it, which maybe a little exaggerated, well, because it's in the name so why not have it in the sensation. But it's very planted and precise when it comes to the dynamics.

The e-tron GT gets four-corner air suspension and adaptive dampers as standard 

This is also one of the fastest EVs I have ever driven. It has such instant acceleration, even when you're already cruising, that it blows your mind a bit. The e-tron GT gets four-corner air suspension and adaptive dampers as standard. It also has torque-vectoring on the rear axle. This gives the car a very taut feel, even in corners. And there's plenty of aggression, while maintaining a neat balance. The braking is superb - and let's not forget that you can set levels of regenerative braking to enhance power being fed back into the battery.

Torque-vectoring on the rear axle gives the car a very taut feel, even in corners

The Taycan's steering is sportier though, as I found the RS steering almost too light. This meant a few corrections every now and then - meaning more driver input and alertness. But all that is only at the faster more dynamic end of its performance spectrum. The RS does 0-100 kmph in 3.3 seconds, and its top speed is limited to 250 kmph.

Verdict

On the whole though, the Audi RS e-tron GT is a very satisfying car to drive. It is comfortable even in its sportiest drive mode, it is luxurious, and will not tire you out in any way. It also has a drive range that can go as high as 480 kms, though my European counterparts tell me 380 kms is comfortably achieved.

The Audi RS e-tron GT is priced at Rs. 2.05 crore in India 

It takes anywhere from 9 hours to 22 minutes for an 80 per cent charge depending on the type of charger being used. It is now available in India starting at Rs. 2.05 crore. And while it is clearly not for everyone, it justifies the higher price tag over the standard GT, for sure.